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Eldon Howard, 76

Eldon H. Howard, 76, of Grand Island, died Monday, Feb. 13, 2012, at St. Francis Medical Center. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m. Friday at St. Mary’s Cathedral. The Reverend Richard Piontkowski will officiate. Burial will be in the Grand Island City Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m., Thursday at All Faiths Funeral Home in Grand Island with a Rosary at 7 p.m.Eldon was born July 18, 1935, at home in Madison Square Community of Loup County, the son of Jack and Agnes (Kamery) Howard. He was raised in the Custer and Loup County areas, graduating from Sargent High School, class of 1952. He was honorably discharged from the U.S. Army in 1958. Following his time in the service he was united in marriage to Margaret Gruber Dec. 31, 1960, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Sargent. Eldon spent five years in construction, having to move and relocate often. He and Margaret had four wonderful children born in three different states; South Dakota, Kansas, and New Mexico. He later moved his family to Sargent where he operated Howard Feed along with his parents. This eventually led to his trucking career where he owned and operated Howard’s Trucking, until he retired after 37 years. After retirement Eldon took on a new role as the business manager of Howard Psychiatric Services in Hastings.Some of Eldon’s enjoyments included his grandchildren, his mules and Welsh ponies, trail rides, especially his family trail rides, family reunions, and collecting antique farm equipment.He was a member of St. Mary’s Cathedral, Platt Duetsche and the Harness Hustlers, where he enjoyed the many valuable friendships he made.Those left to cherish his memory are his wife of over 50 years, Margaret; children and their spouses, Dr. Susan Howard and Jeffrey Thies of Hastings, Steven and Stephanie Howard of Omaha, Thomas and Sarah Howard of Columbia, Mo., and Barbara and Andrew Monson of Lincoln; one sister, Elaine Zurek of Omaha; and two brothers, Jerry Howard of Red Oak, Iowa and Gale Howard and Karen O’Dell of Bruno. Also left to cherish his memory include his grandchildren, Benjamin Howard, Madeline Howard, Hannah Monson, Amelia Howard, Carter Monson, Nicholas Howard, Joseph Howard, Timothy Thies, Grace Monson and numerous extended family and friends.He was preceded in death by his parents; a nephew, Bruce Zurek; sister in law, Shannon Howard; and a brother in law, Dennis Zurek.A memorial fund will be established in Eldon’s name. Condolences may be sent to www.giallfaiths.com Published in Custer County Chief, Feb. 16, 2012